The Sounders and Gorilla FC: New club, old sport

After a year of devastating losses for Seattle sports (R.I.P. SuperSonics), the city’s new Major League Soccer team will open the season at Qwest Field on Thursday to the sound of screaming fans and recharged hopes.

One of those fans will be teacher Kevin Zelko. You’ll find him in the south end zone — wearing a gorilla suit.

Zelko, 34, is one of the founders of a month-and-a-half old supporters group called Gorilla FC. Apart from helping build a community around soccer and — eventually — a recreational team, the group is taking a stand on social issues.

It starts Thursday at 3:45 p.m. at the Tap House Grill, marches to Qwest Field in time for the 6:00 game and ends at the Fado Irish Pub downtown.

‘Cause that’s how Gorillas roll.

“We are dedicated first to the Seattle Sounders FC and then to the party that goes with that!” reads a statement on one of the group’s many Facebook pages.

Inspired by the liberal German soccer club St. Pauli, the group is a new player on a scene dominated by the well-established Emerald City Football Club, which Zelko credits with having made that south end zone area of Qwest Field the place to be for passionate fans. Part of Gorrilla’s appeal, as an alternative, is that it’s fresh, like a brand new TV series.

It’s easier to get hooked on the first episode.

“It’s a great time to be a part of it, ’cause we’re new and growing,” Zelko said. “Anyone can come and join.”

For now, the group claims 50 to 75 paid members (each bought a $3 pin). Thanks in part to connections Zelko made from 11 years of hanging out in Seattle bars, membership brings happy hour specials and bargains at partnered bars, like Fado Irish Pub, Naked City and Elysian Fields.

But it’s not all about soccer and beer. Last month the group hosted a benefit for struggling anti-domestic violence group Home Alive. And the group champions equality, calling itself “anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-sexist and anti-homophobic.”

That’s not just a statement of principle. It’s reaction to what they’ve seen in the makeup of soccer clubs — and what they hear in the stands.

“There’s still some major issues,” Zelko said. “Oftentimes you hear homophobic chants.”

Early members of the group are not new to social causes. Several were originally part of a now defunct club called Guerrilla FC, which was involved in the anti-globalization movement five years ago.

“Out of that we got back together and said, let’s make this more open to the general populace,” said Zelko, a Kansas City native who moved to Seattle 11 years ago. “We used to be a bunch of lefties.”

More than 32,000 fans expected at Qwest for the season opener. A flag flew atop the Needle today and Gorilla FC won’t be the only ones marching to the match — the mayor will, too.